How to make the mouse left-handed in Windows Vista

This page explains step-by-step how to make the mouse left-handed in Windows Vista. By default, your mouse is set up for a right-handed person, with the primary button on the left. However, you can swap the function of the mouse buttons from the default left click, so that a right click is instead used for selection and dragging. You'll just need to remember to press the opposite button to what is called for when you are following instructions (for example, if you are requested to right-click on something).

Note: The 'Ease of Access Center' has replaced 'Accessibility Options' (which was used in earlier versions of Windows) in the 'Control Panel' of Windows Vista. For more information, read the Introduction to the Ease of Access Center.

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Making the mouse left-handed in Windows Vista

Change the function of the mouse's left and right buttons

Step 1: Open the 'Mouse Properties' window

Open the 'Control Panel' window by clicking the 'Start' button and then 'Control Panel', or press the Windows key and then use the arrow keys to highlight 'Control Panel' and then press Enter. (Note: on some setups, you can simply press the Windows key + C).

You need to be in Classic view. If you are not, click on 'Classic View' in the pane on the left of the 'Control Panel' window, or press Tab until it is highlighted and then press Enter.

Double-click on the 'Mouse' icon, or use the arrow keys to highlight it and then press Enter, to open the 'Mouse Properties' window shown in Fig 1.

Fig 1'Mouse Properties' window

Step 2: Swap the primary and secondary mouse buttons

If it is not already selected, click on the 'Buttons' tab, or press Tab until any of the tabs is highlighted and then use the arrow keys to select the 'Buttons' tab.

Under the 'Button configuration' header, tick the box next to 'Switch primary and secondary buttons' by clicking on it, or press Alt + S to tick it.

Click the 'OK' button or press Enter to finish.

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